By Aram Tadevosyan
Thousands of forcibly displaced persons from Nagorno-Karabakh remain in limbo more than a year after arriving in Armenia in late September 2023. Despite international sympathy and government efforts, gaps in assistance, legal recognition, and economic integration persist. A recent conference hosted by the Regional Center for Democracy and Security (RCDS) on February 4 brought these issues to the forefront, highlighting the urgent need for policy reforms and international engagement to support these vulnerable communities.
Many donor states and organizations rely on government reports rather than direct input from affected communities. This results in an incomplete understanding of refugee needs, leading to inefficient aid distribution and underfunded initiatives. A lack of coordination between the Armenian government, international bodies, and civil society organizations has led to duplication of efforts and gaps in critical support. Without a centralized strategy, aid remains inconsistent and insufficient. Compared to crises in Syria and Ukraine, Armenia has received significantly less international funding for displaced persons. Weak diplomatic advocacy has hindered efforts to secure long-term financial and technical support for refugee integration.
Many displaced families struggle to find permanent housing due to inefficient government programs and the lack of affordable housing options, leaving many in temporary accommodations without clear long-term solutions. Refugees face bureaucratic delays in accessing essential services, obtaining legal status, and securing citizenship. Inconsistent legal aid and procedural complexities further exacerbate their challenges. Displaced individuals often lack the vocational training necessary to compete in Armenia’s labor market. Employers also lack incentives to hire refugees, limiting their ability to achieve financial independence. Many former servicemen lack civilian career qualifications and face difficulties transitioning into Armenia’s armed forces or the private sector. Psychological challenges and the absence of rehabilitation programs further hinder their reintegration.
Strengthening international engagement and advocacy is crucial. Establishing mechanisms for direct refugee engagement with international stakeholders, encouraging independent assessments and field visits, and implementing a proactive diplomatic strategy to secure increased humanitarian aid would improve the effectiveness of international support. A coordinated assistance framework should be developed through a centralized task force involving government agencies, international organizations, and civil society to streamline refugee support programs. Aligning policies across agencies would maximize efficiency and transparency in aid distribution.
Legal reforms are necessary to improve refugee rights and access. Simplifying and expediting citizenship applications, replacing outdated refugee databases with accurate information, and ensuring access to consistent legal aid while strengthening anti-discrimination protections would provide greater security and stability for displaced individuals. Economic and employment opportunities must be expanded through vocational training programs tailored to Armenia’s job market, financial incentives for businesses that hire displaced persons, and private-sector partnerships to create sustainable employment opportunities.
Housing challenges should be addressed through reforms in the government’s housing assistance program to prioritize long-term solutions, promoting affordable housing initiatives, and expanding rent subsidy programs. Structured reintegration programs for former Artsakh Defense Army personnel should include reskilling initiatives to facilitate transitions into civilian careers, clear pathways for integration into Armenia’s security forces, and psychological support and rehabilitation programs to assist with reintegration.
Addressing the challenges faced by displaced persons from Nagorno-Karabakh requires a comprehensive, inclusive, and well-coordinated approach. By implementing these policy recommendations, Armenia can enhance its refugee assistance framework, attract greater international support, and foster long-term stability for those affected. The Armenian government, international stakeholders, and civil society must collaborate to develop sustainable solutions that prioritize the well-being of displaced individuals while strengthening Armenia’s capacity to manage future crises.
Aram Tadevosyan is an analyst at the Regional Center for Democracy and Security.
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